Buying Puppies Online Scams May 2026

: Scammers demand payment via wire transfers ( Western Union , MoneyGram), gift cards, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer apps like Zelle or Venmo that offer little to no buyer protection.

: Once you pay, they may demand additional money for "emergency" shipping insurance, specialized crates, or climate-controlled transport. 2. How to Verify a Seller's Legitimacy buying puppies online scams

: Insist on a video call (FaceTime, Zoom) where the seller shows you the puppy in real-time. : Scammers demand payment via wire transfers (

: They may claim the puppy is popular and will be sold immediately unless you pay a deposit now. How to Verify a Seller's Legitimacy : Insist

Verify breeders through official organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC) . Check for business ratings and reported scams on BBB.org .

: Purebred puppies sold for a fraction of their market value (e.g., a $500 French Bulldog) are major indicators of a scam.